Some relief in drought, but concerns remain widespread
Southern metro drought expanded
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Taking the good with the bad in the latest drought monitor update. Areas across the state saw improvement after our Labor Day rains, while other areas saw drought conditions expand.
Areas of relief, and areas of expansion
Minnesota’s latest drought monitor update shows a mixed picture as we head deeper into September. Compared with last week’s map, drought and abnormally dry conditions continue to cover much of the state, with the most serious pockets remaining concentrated across parts of central, eastern, southwestern and western Minnesota.
Looking at the Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 maps side by side, one of the biggest takeaways is that the drought pattern has not dramatically changed statewide. Severe drought still covers a significant portion of the state, although it has decreased from more than 52 percent to about 46 percent. Moderate drought also improved, dropping to around 70 percent.
There are some changes within the extreme drought category as well. While the southwestern corner of the state has been removed from the extreme drought designation, the area has expanded across the southeastern metro.
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There are also signs of improvement in portions of Minnesota, where recent rainfall has helped ease short-term dryness. Labor Day rainfall brought some much-needed improvement to the western corners of the state, with several inches of rain reported in some areas.
That distinction is especially important in September. A soaking rain can quickly improve topsoil moisture and provide relief for lawns, pastures and crops, but it doesn't necessarily erase the longer-term impacts of drought on groundwater, lakes and streams.
To completely end drought conditions across Minnesota over the next two months, we would need a substantial amount of additional rainfall, anywhere from about 5 inches to more than 12 inches, depending on the location.
The current precipitation outlook from the Climate Prediction Center offers at least some encouragement, with above-average chances for rainfall across parts of the region through mid-September. More rain would be welcome, especially given how much is needed to make meaningful progress on the drought.
